Keith Rowan

Keith Rowan is an elder of the Wangapeka.

Keith Rowan met and travelled with the Ven. Namgyal Rinpoché, his principal teacher of dharma, over 25 years ago and, he says, “…I haven’t been the same since.” From that time he has also been taught and inspired by many other wonderful teachers and friends in many countries, particularly Chimé Shore, Tarchin Hearn and the Venerable Kalu Rinpoché, creating a rich background in the study of mind.

He came to New Zealand 17 years ago and has been widely involved with the work of the Wangapeka Retreat Centre throughout that time as student, meditator, co-ordinator, teacher and general labourer.

He says, “My interest these days is to support explorations of dharma here in Nelson. I have a great affinity with anyone trying to understand their life in the midst of the bustle of suburbia. That has been my struggle. The aim is to be a dharma friend to anyone wanting to explore this great mystery called being conscious.”

Keith draws on a wide range of methods, some traditional, some modern, presenting the work from a non-sectarian view. In between times, he practises as a building designer in Nelson.

He also teaches at The Nelson Buddhist Centre with teacher Amnyi Trulchung Rinpoché.

Welcome to the Wangapeka Study and Retreat Centre. People visit from all over the world to meditate and enjoy the peace of this remarkable destination. The Wangapeka is a purpose built retreat centre, with fresh clean air and beautiful vistas. It is very quiet and ideal for respite, stress relief and deep meditation. We have a meditation hall, solo retreat huts, a main hall for dining and community, and a fully catered kitchen and an onsite vegetable garden.

We are located in the foothills of the Southern Alps overlooking the Wangapeka River, about an hour and a half drive SW of Nelson, in the South Island of New Zealand.

We have meditation retreats throughout the year, have huts available for solo retreats, and welcome bookings from external groups. There are also opportunities available to work on our land. Come and enjoy this uniquely vibrant and peaceful centre.